Photo by beverlyjoubert / A creature of quirks and contradictions… and one of the most fascinating animals to observe in the wild. With their sloping profile and ungainly gait, they hardly have the look of an efficient predator—yet spotted hyenas outperform many fellow carnivores on the hunt. They’re plagued by stereotypes of cowardice and stupidity—and yet they’re on par with some primates when it comes to intelligence. Females are famously dominant and ferocious yet they’re also gentle, devoted mothers who care for their young longer and more intently than many other carnivore species. As we learn more and more about the complex lives of spotted hyenas, it’s wonderful to see perceptions changing, and these underappreciated animals getting the attention—and admiration—they deserve. #hyena #spottedhyena #wildlife